Tributes have been paid to an Irvine biker killed in a horror road smash at the weekend.

Colin Rutherford died at the scene after his Harley Davdison motorcycle was involved in a collision with a John Deere tractor on the A77, near to the junction with Floak Quarry, East Ayrshire on Saturday, August 11.

Colin was described as a “creative genius” by pals and “one of the most talented custom motorcycle builders on the planet”.

The 59-year-old ran Harley Davidson garage, House of Custom, in Clydebank and was renowned around the world for his custom artwork and designs.

Friend David Macdonald, who is an independent councillor with Renfrewshire Council, posted a touching tribute to Colin on his Facebook page.

He said: “Colin was one of the most talented custom motorcycle builders on the planet and his creative genius was known around the world. In 2004, after many years of riding factory built bikes, Colin built me my first custom made bike from the ground up. Colin was the creative force at West Coast Harley Davidson before breaking out and forming his own custom company, House of Custom.

"The Scottish motorcycle scene has lost a leader in his field and those that know him best have lost a great friend. The only comfort I can take from today’s news is that he was up on two wheels doing what he loved." 

Police and emergency services were called to the crash, which happened at ar ound 9am and the 59-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 60-year-old man driving the tractor did not require treatment.

The road was closed for around six hours whilst investigations took place and police are appealing for witnesses to the smash.

Sergeant Cat Gibbons, Road Policing Unit, said: “We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or saw either vehicle being driven prior to the crash, who has not already given details to the police, to come forward.

“You may have driven past shor tly before it happened and have dashcam footage and therefore we would also ask you to think back, where were you - check your footage.

“You may have information that can help us in our enquiries.

“Anyone with information should contact police via 101, quoting incident number 1265 of Saturday 11 August 2018.”